This was my first experience with the water softener. It was super easy to install. I didn't get a water test or anything done so I decided to just try it on whatever the factory settings are. Lucky for me that seemed to be exactly what I needed. My water is now perfectly soft. No salt smell or taste or anything. Initially the water softener told me that I would need to change the salt in 160 days. But true to form as you'll read in the manual after a couple weeks once the system learns your water consumption habits that number will change. I've had it installed for close to a month and now my water softener is telling me I have 373 days left before I need to add salt. Fantastic product. Super happy with my purchase. Love the Wi-Fi connectability.